CBC News Barbados

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment Ryan Straughn is debunking any knowledge of a Barbados Youth Empowerment Fund Programme 2024 being circulated on social media. The message purports that the Government has approved an Empowerment Grant Fund of 50 thousand Barbados dollars to be paid to unemployed youths, and to compensate citizens affected by the crisis in the country. And Minister Straughn has asked the public not to fall victim to such scams being circulated.

A state of emergency has been declared in Trinidad and Tobago for the next three months. The SOE was declared in the wee hours of this morning, and issued via proclamation by President Dr. Christine Kangaloo. During a press conference, Acting Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Stuart Young says for December, 61 homicides were recorded, with the total for the year currently at 623. He says government has been concerned over the use of high-powered illegal calibre weapons, both in Trinidad and across CARICOM. Highlighting two recent incidents where one man was gunned down in front the Besson Street Police Station in Port-of-Spain, and six people were shot, leaving five dead, in Prizgar Lands, Laventille, Minister Young says based on intelligence received, reprisal shootings are imminent. However, Minister Young says there will be no curfew implemented, as the SOE is targeted at the criminal element, and gives both police and army powers of detention.

The Barbados Police Service is currently experiencing complications with their telephone landline service, inclusive of the 211 Emergency line, PBX 430-7100 and all alternate numbers in the Police Operations Control Room. This matter has been reported to their service providers and they are assessing the situation at this time. They added in a release that, “The Barbados Police Service sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this interruption to service may have caused. We are working to have alternate communication put in place to address this situation. Feel reassured that we will notify you as soon as this matter is resolved.”